March in accordance with the old tradition came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. The last ten days of the month was beautiful spring like weather with long spells of sunshine by day and cool nights with just a hint of frost, but not cold enough to warrant covering tender plants.
It is surprising how quickly plants react to a little sunshine. Pulsatilla that were just a group of furry buds quickly elongated and opened the cup-shaped flowers to the sun. Crocus of coarse react to the first rays of sunshine and open immediately, but Romuleas require more consistent sun and a little heat before they do their thing. But it is well worth the wait as the shining goblets with a yellow throat are a joy to behold.
It is surprising that these easy plants are not more widely grown. I think the myth that they are not fully hardy has something to do with it, but while that is the case with some of the South African species; there are a lot of hardy European forms that are well worth growing.
Daphnes are another early starter, and non-more so that Mezereum rubrum which is beautifully perfumed into the bargain.
The entire dwarf Narcissus are in full display and none more so that the various forms of N. bulbocodium which are seeding gently all over the scree beds. It is an interesting pastime to observe the offspring in the hope of spotting a good hybrid, as N. bulbocodium is known to be very promiscuous.
Androsaces also like to make an early start with A. sempervivoides leading the charge. This is an easy plant for a trough and will do its thing for years without much attention. I tried to grow it in a pot for a number of years but soon discovered that it does not like pots, and would prefer a free root run.
Primulas in all their forms love the cool spring weather combined with a little sunshine. These plants are ideal for an early display and there are primulas available for any situation. I am talking about P. marginata Linda pope, and the various forms of p. pubescens, not the outrageous and garish forms of the common primrose with flowers the size of saucers and colours that require sunglasses to look at them, that are sold in the public market place.
Go To Page: 1 2
